Weed control remains as one of the most challenging problems for profitable organic and In preliminary research with soybean and peanut, it has been established that much of the nitrogen driving weed growth (35 to 80%) actually comes from the N2-fixing crop plants themselves. The nitrogen is transferred to the weeds through hyphae of mycorrhizal fungi that connect plant root systems underground. Also, research results indicate that different amounts of N are transferred from different soybean varieties, which implies that varietal selection could become an important part of weed management strategies. This project will have two major objectives. One is to critically examine the impact of N transfer on weed vigor and competitiveness using high and low transfer soybean varieties and a group of methodologies that includes competition studies and quantification of N transfer by 15N natural abundance. The other objective is to evaluate weed control in a rotation that includes a low N-transfer soybean and a sweetpotato variety that has a low N requirement, and compare its effectiveness in reducing weed competition to that of traditional rotations. The project will be located at the Center for Environmental Farming Systems, N.C. Agricultural Experiment Stations, and fields of two cooperating farmers. Why did we pick it?
In the Southern Piedmont, beef cattle/poultry grassland systems prevail, in which tall fescue/bermudagrass pastures fertilized with poultry litter are used for continuous grazing of cattle. Many farm fields in this region are considered to have a high nutrient status because soil test phosphorus (STP) levels are above those which may result in increased risk of phosphorus (P) contamination to surface water bodies. This high nutrient status is the result of an unbalanced pattern of nutrient management in which imports are greater than exports. Part of the reason for this imbalance is that P is imported into the region with the corn used for poultry rations, but little is exported out in the beef produced on these farms. Thus, there is a need for regional source of poultry feed and integration of forage/cropping systems that can utilize excessive nutrients in animal based systems while increasing the earning capacity of small farms. Haying systems have been shown to export larger amounts of nutrients than grazing systems, and a need for "horse quality" hay has been identified in the region. Furthermore, pearl millet has been shown to be as good or better than corn for poultry feeds and can be successfully grown in the Southern Piedmont, decreasing the import of nutrients into the region. The objectives of the proposed work are to 1) evaluate crop/forage rotations which will serve the southeastern US market for beef production, "horse quality forage", and poultry feed in agronomic and economic terms; 2) determine nutrient concentration in runoff and in stream water upstream and downstream of farm-fields with and without crop/forage rotations; 3) share results with agronomic and animal production farmer groups in Georgia and North Carolina, and develop information exchange tours between those groups. By identifying and evaluating systems that remove excess nutrients from farm fields and help recycle nutrients within the region, this work would contribute to the sustainability of agricultural systems in the Southern Piedmont.
The overall objective of this multidisciplinary project is to develop a biological-based management system using parasitoids to control house and stable flies on small-and medium-sized dairy farms. Specifically, the objectives are to: 1) determine the species, seasonal occurrence and numbers of pupal parasitoids (Family Pteromalidae) that are naturally present in Arkansas, Mississippi and North Carolina dairy production systems, 2) evaluation of parasitoid dispersal and level of filth fly pupal parasitism after releasing parasitoids in the dairy agroecosystem , and 3) educate extension faculty, dairy producers and related personnel on the use of parasitoids in a dairy integrated filth fly management program. This project is based on the premise that dairy producers can no longer rely solely on pesticides for control of flies as resistance of these pests to common insecticides increases. Relying on an IPM approach using biological control that is augmented with sound manure management is necessary to insure the long-term success of IPM programs and to decrease the use of insecticides as a primary fly control method. For three years producers with Arkansas Dairy Cooperative Association (ADCA) have successfully participated in preliminary demonstrations involving commercially available parasitoids for fly control through a SARE producer grant. This project will extend that participation to other states plus determine naturally occurring parasitoid wasps in Arkansas, Mississippi, and North Carolina and evaluate optimal release rates. Dairy producers from ADCA and their assisting county extension agents will also serve on the focus committee that formulates recommendations for the use of the parasitoids. Further, this project will include other educational components involving distance-learning techniques to train county agents and specialists locally and across the southern states in IPM techniques to manage flies on dairy farms by utilizing parasitoids. Kelly Loftin Why did we pick it?
LS04-161 Evaluation of Beneficial Insect Habitat for Organic Farms In 2000, N.G. Creamer and T. Kleese conducted a survey of North and South Carolina organic growers asking what their top ten research needs were. Survey results indicated the number one response was "insect pests". When growers were asked to prioritize research needs for resolving insect pest problems, beneficial insects and beneficial insect habitat were their first and second choices. This proposal aims to study the value of beneficial insect habitats that are increasingly being employed by growers on organic farms in the South. There are few data to support farmers in their attempts to increase natural control of pest insects, resulting in a scarcity of guidelines. Some growers are developing their own beneficial insect habitat based on anecdotal information, while others are turning to purchased habitat seed mixtures. While these commercial mixtures appear to offer some of the life sustaining resources needed by beneficial insects there are no data demonstrating seed quality, growth, beneficial insect attraction, or value to nearby crops in the southern United States. The objectives of this proposed project are to 1) examine the purity, germination and on-farm growth characteristics of these commercial seed blends; 2) determine what insects (beneficial or otherwise) are attracted to select cut flower crops, cover crops, and commercial beneficial seed blends, and 3) to construct and evaluate a simple beneficial insect habitat based on existing literature. David Orr
LS04-162 Developing Legume Shade Trees for Sustainable Coffee Production in Puerto Rico Many small-scale farmers with limited resources produce coffee in Puerto Rico. The majority of farms are located in the mountain region, on acid, highly erodible soils. Long-term, sustainable coffee production using environmentally sound practices should include shade trees and, if possible, Nitrogen Fixing Trees (NFT). In an effort to increase coffee production, sun grown coffee was promoted by the Agriculture Department. Unfortunately, this system of production requires high inputs and is environmentally damaging. Our objective is to help coffee farmers to choose the best shade species and management alternatives for high-quality, sustainable coffee production. Eduardo Schroder
LS04-163 Trade, Tenure and Tourism in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico: Understanding policy frameworks that will increase success for an organic agriculture The U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico have been territories of the United States for many decades. These island territories are located in the Caribbean Sea. Their major agricultural products include: sugarcane, coffee, fruits and vegetables, livestock products, chickens and dairy (Puerto Rico) and adding to that array forage crops, horticultural specialties, fish and aquaculture (U.S. Virgin Islands.) While there is substantial agriculture given the size of landmass available, agriculture within the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico has many challenges. Strengthening opportunities for linkages between the growing tourism industry, existing agricultural operations, and potential organic and sustainable operations is needed. The tourism industry imports virtually all of its food supply needs. By improving the relationship between existing and potential agricultural enterprises within the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico and the tourism venues that exist within those territories, much can be done to improve the situation of those who are involved in agriculture, as well as improve the situation for an improved sustainable and organics agriculture. Eric Wailes
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